Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Mile Svilar will miss approximately one month after suffering a stress fracture in training.
Speaking at his press conference before Roma’s Serie A match against Como, Gasperini revealed that Pierluigi Gollini will replace the injured goalkeeper. Konstantinos Koulierakis will also miss Sunday’s match, while Lorenzo Pellegrini has fully recovered.
Svilar Suffers Stress Fracture in Training
“Unfortunately, we have lost Svilar for several weeks,” Gasperini said. “He suffered a stress fracture during a movement in training that was not even particularly excessive.
“The fracture is not displaced, but it will require at least one month to heal. They are evaluating whether to insert a screw for additional support, and that would probably extend his recovery until after the next international break.
“It is a significant blow, but unexpected situations like this can happen during very long seasons.”
Gasperini clarified that the injury occurred in training last week and was unrelated to the physical problem Svilar experienced against Inter.
“He had already suffered a knock against Inter, but this happened two weeks later,” the coach explained. “He had always trained normally after the Inter match.”
Gollini to Replace Svilar
Gollini will now receive an extended opportunity in Roma’s starting lineup, beginning with Sunday’s trip to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
“We will prepare Gollini,” Gasperini said. “He will replace Svilar and will have the opportunity to become the important goalkeeper he was for a certain period.
“In his career, he perhaps only played consistently when he was with me. When I had him at Atalanta, he earned a place in the Italy squad and was the third goalkeeper for around two years.
“He has quality and ability. He has always trained well during these months and needs to have everyone’s confidence. We are not putting in a goalkeeper who has never played before. He now has the opportunity to produce consistent performances.”
Koulierakis Ruled Out, Pellegrini Fully Recovered
Gasperini confirmed that Koulierakis will not be available against Como after suffering a heavy contusion during Greece’s match against Germany.
“It is only a contusion,” he said. “He will not recover in time for tomorrow, but he will probably be available again from Monday.”
Bryan Cristante also remains sidelined, but the remainder of Roma’s international players have returned to Trigoria.
“Everyone else has returned,” Gasperini added. “We held our first training session with the entire group yesterday. Some returned earlier in the week, while we were able to work well with those who remained here.”
Pellegrini used the international break to complete his recovery and is now ready to compete for minutes.
“Pellegrini is doing well,” Gasperini confirmed. “These weeks have been extremely useful for him. He is now a recovered player.”
Roma Begin Demanding Run of Fixtures
Roma will play nine matches in 27 days across Serie A and the Champions League, forcing Gasperini to use the full depth of his squad.
“Tomorrow, we will have 18 outfield players available, with Gollini in goal, and 16 of those 18 will play,” he said.
“I cannot predict today who will play against Real Madrid, let alone Genoa, Slovan Bratislava, Napoli, Cagliari, Udinese, Manchester United or Sassuolo.
“With five substitutions and such an important sequence of matches, it is fundamental to use the entire squad. This has always been a strength for me. Every player must have the confidence that he can be decisive.”
Gasperini pointed to Devyne Rensch’s contribution last season as an example of how squad players can become crucial during important moments.
“There will obviously be players who feature more and others who feature less, but everyone must receive significant playing time,” he added.
Gasperini Defends Wesley’s Start to the Season
Gasperini rejected suggestions that Wesley has struggled to reproduce his best form during the opening weeks of the campaign.
“In my opinion, he has played very well,” Gasperini said. “He was extraordinary against Inter. These are subjective evaluations, but I believe he has started the season strongly.
“We have nine matches in 27 days, so there will be opportunities to use different players and roles on the wings.”
Roma Working to Correct Second-Half Problems
Roma have conceded several goals shortly after halftime, but Gasperini believes the issue has resulted from individual incidents rather than a wider tactical problem.
“When you concede in similar situations, it naturally makes you think,” he said. “However, in my opinion, those were more individual situations than a problem with the team’s attitude.
“I am also very satisfied with the goals we have scored in the first half and during stoppage time. We want to preserve what we have done well while correcting the rest.”
Gasperini on Roma Supporters and the Friedkins
The Roma coach also discussed the influence of the club’s supporters, insisting that their passion has become a source of energy for the team.
“I do not need to bring anyone onto my side,” Gasperini said. “If anything, it is the opposite: the supporters, with their enormous passion, inspire me and the team.
“Playing in a full stadium with that level of passion is extremely positive, and the players feel it.”
Gasperini also reiterated the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Roma’s ownership.
“To make a team great in the way I understand it, I believe it is important to have the owners close,” he said. “I came here after speaking with Dan and Ryan, and those conversations convinced me that we could do important work.
“I hope the same idea and the same vision still exist.”
Roma will face Como on Sunday at 12:30 CEST, before welcoming Real Madrid to the Stadio Olimpico in the Champions League three days later.
Gasperini Responds to Fàbregas’ Subbuteo Tactics
Como coach Cesc Fàbregas recently used a Subbuteo board to demonstrate how his side could beat Roma.
Gasperini responded with a smile: “I still do not know how that match finished. We will see tomorrow.”
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